By Korede Akintunde in ABUJA, Nigeria — Saturday, 16 May 2026
The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba has urged the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan not to join the 2027 race, warning that a return to partisan politics could diminish the statesmanlike reputation and good name he currently enjoys across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
He made this statement in Abuja while delivering his address to the first session of the thirteenth Synod of the Diocese of Abuja. He said Jonathan had already secured a place in history as a symbol of democratic maturity and peaceful leadership, particularly following his widely commended concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election.
“We don’t want you to spoil that good name and please, keep off for now, let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be. We thank God for your life, not only for Nigeria but for the West Africa region, ECOWAS and Africa. You are a symbol that should stand, you are a hope for our generation; that it is possible for us to be civil, to lead with integrity and possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us”.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Jonathan called for national reflection, spiritual renewal and responsible leadership amid the country’s worsening social and security challenges.
According to him, many Nigerians have become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction, unlike in the past when tragic incidents provoked national outrage and collective grief.
He said, “As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society.
“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.
“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.
“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values.”
The former President emphasised that the Church remains crucial in shaping society and upholding moral standards, urging religious leaders to continue speaking the truth and defending righteousness.
He also warned about the growing influence of negative values through technology and modern information systems, saying many harmful behaviours are now glorified in society.
“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example.
“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn,” he added.
“Permit me to also say that leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” Jonathan said.
The Church, through the Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Bishop of Lokoja Diocese prayed for the former president using him as a point of contact to other leaders of the nation.
